What is Sigiriya?

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri (Lion Rock Sinhala: සීගිරිය) is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka.

According to the ancient Sri Lankan chronicle the Cūḷavaṃsa, this area was a large forest, then after storms and landslides it became a hill and was selected by King Kashyapa (477–495 AD) for his new capital.

History

The earliest evidence of human habitation at Sigiriya is the Aligala rock shelter to the east of Sigiriya rock, indicating that the area was occupied nearly five thousand years ago during the Mesolithic Period.

In 477 AD, Kashyapa I, the king’s son by a non-royal consort, seized the throne from King Dhatusena, following a coup assisted by Migara, the King’s nephew and army commander.

Afraid of an attack by Moggallana, Kashyapa moved the capital and his residence from the traditional capital of Anuradhapura to the more secure Sigiriya.

Expecting the inevitable return of Moggallana, Kashyapa is said to have built his palace on the summit of Sigiriya as a fortress as well as a pleasure palace.

Water Gardens

In Sigiriya, many water gardens are built according to an ancient garden form known as “char bagh”, and is one of the oldest surviving models of this form in the whole world.

Two large islands are located on either side of the second water garden.

These islands are built in a manner similar to the island in the first water garden.

A miniature water garden is located to the west of the first water garden, consisting of several small pools and watercourses.

Sounds Interesting right? Make Sigiriya in your bucket list to get an experience like no other.

cheers..